Nearly Half of All Americans Have Tried Cannabis, Poll Finds

A new Gallup poll found that 45% of Americans have tried cannabis at least once—the highest percentage recorded since Gallup began asking the question in 1969.

Chart courtesy of Gallup.com

The survey found that young adults—men in particular—with household incomes of less than $30,000 per year are most likely to say they currently consume cannabis. Gallup reports that 13% of men said they smoke cannabis, compared to 7% of women who responded affirmatively.

Gallup first asked US residents if they consumed cannabis back in 1969. At that time only 4% said they had tried marijuana at least once. The rise in consumption over the past 50 years is paralleled by the increasing support for cannabis legalization, according to Gallup. A study released last year by the polling group found that 60% of Americans believe that cannabis should be legal, which was also a record level of support.

The study released yesterday indicates that current cannabis consumption starts to decline with age. Those aged 30-49 are more likely to say they have tried cannabis (51%) than those aged 50-64 (49%).

Gage Peake is a former staff writer for Leafly, where he specialized in data journalism, sports, and breaking news coverage. He's a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's College of Journalism and Mass Communications.

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